Statistics from the Save the Children organisation, an international nonprofit group, has revealed that almost 800,000 Nigerian children die every year before their fifth birthday, making Nigeria the country with the highest number of new born deaths in Africa.
The group, said majority of children deaths under age five, particularly in the northern part of the country, are due to treatable and preventable diseases. The group released the figures at a Save the Children Special Campaign (STC) launched in Lagos on Tuesday.
The statistics showed that healthcare is under-funded, underutilised, and irregular in the country, resulting in high child mortality rates, particularly in the Northern states. Many rural clinics lack structure, medical equipment, drugs and qualified staff to provide quality health services.
Popular Nollywood actor and the group's ambassador, Joke Silva, said the group's message is to inform everyone about their responsibility to care for mothers and the children, as the campaign "is not for only health workers." "When a child dies,it's a country loss . If children are dying to the tune of 1,500 a day, that is the future going before our very eyes. When the mothers die, the custodians of values are dying. It is everyone's campaign; we can all do something. We call on government, corporate organisations, and individuals to come to the aid of the Nigerian child in order to build a strong future" she said
Support by all
The essence of the campaign is to achieve immediate and lasting change in the lives of children and educate Nigerians on the situation of children mortality in Nigeria."What we need is support; not necessarily money. We need 500,000 text messages and 300,000 Facebook sign ups to show the government that we really need its support to show leadership and help us end the scandal of 800,000 child deaths a year. You can make a difference with your phone by texting ‘I care' to 08095958989 to support better health care for children," she said.
The group's country director in Nigeria, Susan Grant, said in spite of the alarming statistics, the group "is trying to keep things in context." "Create more health centres; train health personnel and midwives; and also encourage them to go to the rural areas and practise to ensure that children do not die from preventable diseases," she said.
Mrs. Grant said the country can achieve immediate and long lasting change if everyone is involved in the campaign.
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Posted: at 17-12-2010 10:06 AM (14 years ago) | Addicted Hero
Freesmile at 17-12-2010 10:21 AM (14 years ago) (m)
Though, i doubt the statistics given above but i do believe a major cause of infant mortality in Nigeria is malnutrition and negligence! May God save our children and keep us to see them fulfill their potentials!
Posted: at 17-12-2010 10:21 AM (14 years ago) | Upcoming
The statistic given above is nothing but false report.
I don't know why people always like saying negative things about Nigeria.
Child mortality in Nigeria cannot be compared to the one in Niger Republic or Kenya for example, but nobody will say anything about these countries. But when it comes to Nigeria, their mouths are wide opened to talk and their hands will be ready to write rubbish about Naija.
Bullshit!!!
Posted: at 17-12-2010 12:16 PM (14 years ago) | Gistmaniac
The statistic given above is nothing but false report.
I don't know why people always like saying negative things about Nigeria.
Child mortality in Nigeria cannot be compared to the one in Niger Republic or Kenya for example, but nobody will say anything about these countries. But when it comes to Nigeria, their mouths are wide opened to talk and their hands will be ready to write rubbish about Naija. I concur.. Bullshit!!!
Posted: at 17-12-2010 12:52 PM (14 years ago) | Upcoming
The statistics may not be accurate but our "leaders" have failed the children of this great country. They say the children/youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow and come 10 years time, they still want to stay in power (Babagida and company). Give the children a better life, give the pregnant women free and quality healthcare. Give job to the husbands so they can help their homes.
Posted: at 17-12-2010 01:30 PM (14 years ago) | Upcoming
popo2009 at 17-12-2010 01:46 PM (14 years ago) (m)
These people are just bunch of fools. They are trying to say, Is only in Naija that there is Malnutriction. Where do they all focus on Africa when it comes bad things???
Posted: at 17-12-2010 01:46 PM (14 years ago) | Gistmaniac
Marvellous1 at 17-12-2010 04:01 PM (14 years ago) (m)
No mater wht nigerian government is very wicked , all they know is they own families this children are the leaders of tomorow and shld be taken gud care of
Posted: at 17-12-2010 04:01 PM (14 years ago) | Newbie
No mater wht nigerian government is very wicked , all they know is they own families this children are the leaders of tomorow and shld be taken gud care of
Point of correction! The dying children are not the real leaders of tomorrow. The leaders of tomorrow are the children of leaders of today and we all know they are not victims of such motality. They kill and terminate our children so that their own can grow and rule ours. STAND UP NIGERIANS. WE REALLY NEED TO STAND UP FOR OUR RIGHTS. NOBODY WILL FIGHT OUR RIGHT FOR US, TRUE!
IN ZAKA FADI, FADI GASKIYA, KOMAI TA JA MA A YI MAKA
Posted: at 17-12-2010 05:07 PM (14 years ago) | Hero
These people are just bunch of fools. They are trying to say, Is only in Naija that there is Malnutriction. Where do they all focus on Africa when it comes bad things???
Yes bro. These people will never show Africa's development or any good in it. All they are busy doing is to show how under-developed Africa is. Sad.
IN ZAKA FADI, FADI GASKIYA, KOMAI TA JA MA A YI MAKA
Posted: at 17-12-2010 05:12 PM (14 years ago) | Hero
The general perception that Nigeria has an high infant mortality rate is subject to debate. This may either be right or wrong. The truth is, Nigeria is a highly populated country expecially in relation to other African countries. Understandably, its mortality rate would appear high even when in real terms, its ratio may be low in comparison to other African countries.
Irrespective of the situation, there is no doubt that children in Nigeria die of preventable diseases, and poverty.
FAKE PROFILES DOESN'T BOTHER ME ONE BIT, UNLESS PEOPLE HIDE BEHIND THEM TO SPIT VENOM. SHOW THE BOLDNESS OF A LION NEXT TIME......USE YOUR ORIGINAL PROFILE!!
Posted: at 17-12-2010 06:44 PM (14 years ago) | Gistmaniac
........yu already no that 
...heheh...if yu wanna smell what kebella is cooking........bring it up!!
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